Long Family Dental Embraces New Dental Technology

As with every other area in modern life, technology has improved the way in which dentists diagnose and treat their patients. Thanks to recent scientific
advancements, such as digital imaging, today’s dental instruments allow patients to receive their dental treatment without the discomfort or multiple
visits traditionally associated with dental care. Dental technology has evolved to make dental procedures less invasive and dental restorations healthier.
Dr. Bob and Dr. Chris take pride in staying abreast of the latest advancements and continually learning new ways to make your dental experience more
efficient and comfortable. Long Family Dental employs an array of first class technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of patients throughout the
Cleburne and Midlothian communities.

Digital Radiography

Although traditional dental x-rays emit minimally low amounts of radiation, and many precautions are taken to protect patients from unnecessary exposure,
some patients may still be apprehensive when taking dental X-rays. Traditional dental x-rays are also time consuming and usually extend the amount of time
a patient must spend in the dental chair. That’s why Long Family Dental uses digital radiography, a high-tech replacement for traditional dental x-rays,
which significantly reduces radiation exposure and produces high quality images instantaneously.

The digital radiography process is different than traditional dental x-rays. With digital radiography, the doctor will use a digital sensor to capture
images of your teeth. The digital sensor is electronic and connected to a computer. Once the digital x-ray is taken, the image is projected onto a screen
inside the exam room for the doctor to immediately review. There’s no need to wait for film development to begin your diagnoses. Digital images can also be
easily manipulated for prioritized viewing, and easily stored and transmitted for insurance or referral purposes.

Intra-Oral Cameras

An intraoral camera is actually a tiny video camera which takes images of your teeth and gums. Intraoral cameras look similar to electric toothbrushes
(minus the bristles) and while usage varies depending on the model-type, are typically equipped with a disposable protective sheath for each new exam.
While simultaneously viewing a chairside monitor, the doctor can insert the intraoral camera into the mouth and gently rotate and turn the device so that
many different angled images can be taken in just a few short minutes. These images can also be scaled and refocused to zero in on problem areas, and more
readily communicate hard to conceptualize information to the patient.

Intraoral cameras have been in use for over twenty years but are constantly upgraded to provide higher quality images. Intraoral cameras have become an
essential tool for any modern dental practice. The intraoral camera is an extremely useful tool in diagnoses for the doctor and is ideal for educating the
patient.

CT-Scans

Dental cone beam computed tomography (CT) is a special type of x-ray machine used in situations where regular dental or facial x-rays are not adequate.
Dental cone beam CT is commonly used for treatment planning of orthodontic issues. It is also useful for more complex cases that involve:

surgical planning for wisdom teeth extraction

diagnosing TMJ disorder

dental implants placement

examination of the jaw, sinuses, nerve canals and nasal cavity

examining bone structure and tooth orientation

investigating jaw pain

reconstructive surgery

3M True Definition Tooth Scanner

Instead of the traditionally messy putty impressions needed to complete a tooth restoration, Long Family Dentistry now uses intraoral scanners, like the
new 3M True Definition Tooth Scanner. The intraoral scanner allows precise dental impressions to be taken and stored digitally. Today, intraoral mapping
technology with three-dimensional scanning of the mouth is required for many restoration procedures and orthodontic treatments. These scanners can deliver
highly accurate full color digital impressions of your teeth in a matter of minutes.

Custom Crown Mill

Gone are the days of wearing a temporary crown for several weeks while a permanent crown is made at a lab. Once the patient has a digital scan of their
prepared tooth sent to the crown mill, a crown is created right here in our office while the patient waits. Most crowns can be delivered the same day.

Hi-Tech Dentist Appointments in Midlothian and Cleburne, TX

Imagine a dental office where you can restore a tooth without seeing a needle or a drill, or receive a perfectly crafted dental crown in a single visit.
It’s all possible at Long Family Dental, where we embrace the dental technology to deliver efficient, accurate, and comfortable dental care. Long Family
Dental has outfitted each location with the latest and most reliable dental technologies. When you choose us for your oral health needs, you can be
confident that, your treatment will be at the forefront of any technological advancement. Long Family Dental balances the latest technology with old
fashioned integrity, seamlessly mixing rigid precision and gentle compassion. To experience the hi-tech dentistry difference for yourself, make an
appointment with Dr. Bob, Dr. Chris, or Dr. Heather at one of our convenient Midlothian or Cleburne locations.